Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles vs Miami RedHawks men's basketball recap: RedHawks collapse in second half in 77-64 loss

It would seem to be very hard to lose a basketball game when you shoot 49 percent from the field, but the Miami RedHawks found a way to do just that Friday night in Cookeville, Tennessee. After a splendid first half which saw the RedHawks build a comfortable 11-point margin at 36-25, the second half was the complete opposite. Miami gave up 52 (!!) second half points which turned into yet another road loss, their third of the year and fifth total on the season.

Tennessee Tech was led by senior guard Torrance Rowe with 23 points, which will bump up his average of 16 points per game this season. He did most of his damage from beyond the arc making five 3-pointers on 13 attempts.

The surprising part is how well both teams shot as they both hovered around 50 percent for the entire game. The stat lines were very similar with all major categories showcasing both teams having incredible halves shooting the basketball. The RedHawks were led by L.J. Livingston and Rod Mills as they combined for 28 points on only three missed shots. Mills has been a nice addition for Miami off the bench as really embraced the sixth man role over the past 10 games. It's been stagnant play but he's had a few nice games contributing off the bench when the RedHawks have needed him.

Livingston has combined for 50 points over the last five games and the RedHawks are 3-2 in those games. As MAC play edges closer they are going to need Livingston to be a big contributor. The senior will be integral on and off the court for the RedHawks as he's been an almost double double machine on the glass.

A date with Dayton looms on the road where in my estimation if the RedHawks don't play well early it could turn into a laugher. As the non-conference schedule closes I'm not impressed with the RedHawks even though most of their games have been close. We're still looking for the teams that will breakout in the MAC besides Akron, and we'll see if Miami can join that group.

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